Mix & match formula for vaccines and boosters strengthens immunity against Omicron

Following 2 doses of an inactivated Covid-19 vaccine with a booster mRNA dose increases immunity against the Omicron variant. Dr Supakit Sirilak from the Department of Medical Sciences says tests have shown the mix has proven effective against both the highly-contagious Omicron strain and its predecessor, the Delta variant.

The Bangkok Post reports that tests carried out by the Institute of Biological Products show that all vaccines have reduced effectiveness against Omicron compared to Delta. However, Supakit says immunity is significantly increased if a booster dose, particularly of an mRNA vaccine, is administered.

“The study shows we do need to get a booster vaccine for fighting against the Omicron variant. I would like to recommend all people, especially those considered at high risk from the disease, to get the booster vaccine as soon as possible.”

According to the report, the study, which involved 80 participants, compared immunity against both Omicron and Delta 2 weeks after people had received a booster dose. The results indicated high levels of immunity against both variants. The study shows that when 2 doses of Sinovac are followed by an mRNA booster, immunity levels rise to 282.5 against the Omicron variant and 729.3 against Delta. There were similar results when researchers looked at a mixed dose of AstraZeneca and Pfizer.

The study shows that all 2-dose vaccines have reduced effectiveness against Omicron. 2 doses of AstraZeneca show immunity levels of 23.91 against the highly-transmissible variant, while Pfizer shows 19.17 and 11.63 for a combination of Sinovac and AstraZeneca.

According to Dr Supaporn Phumiamorn from the Institute of Biological Products, the reproduction of cells in the Omicron variant is slower than that seen in the Delta variant, meaning it usually results in milder illness.

The Bangkok Post reports that the Department of Medical Sciences now plans to conduct a study into how long increased immunity lasts after vaccination.

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SOURCE: Bangkok Post